Starting blocks for athletes

ABSTRACT

Starting block apparatus for track runners, including a spine member and blocks having adjustable sloping foot support members, the blocks being laterally adjustable on arms projecting laterally on either side of the spine member. The arms are themselves longitudinally adjustable in position along the spine member. The foot support members provide support to the whole length of the foot of a track runner.

United States Patent [191 Potgieter [451 Mar. 26, 1974 STARTING BLOCKS FOR ATHLETES [76] Inventor: Jacobus Daniel Potgieter, 948 Crots,

Rietfontein, Pretoria, South Africa [22] Filed: July 9, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 128,622

[52] US. Cl 272/59 A [51] Int. Cl A631) 69/00 [58] Field of Search 272/59 A; 188/32; 211/43 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,276,430 8/1918 Smith 188/32 1,701,026 2/1929 Bresnahan 272/59 A FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 125,753 10/1947 Australia 272/59 A 110,785 5/1944 Sweden 272/59 A 287,585 12/1966 Australia 272/59 A 646,868 9/1962 Italy 272/59 A 94,902 3/1939 Sweden 272/59 A 32,419 1905 Switzerland 211/43 Primary Examiner-Anton O. Oechsle Assistant Examiner-Amold W. Kramer 57 ABSTRACT Starting block apparatus for track runners, including a spine member and blocks having adjustable sloping foot support members, the blocks being laterally adjustable on arms projecting laterally on either side of the spine member. The arms are themselves longitudinally adjustable in position along the spine member. The foot support members provide support to the whole length of the foot of a track runner.

12 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures STARTING BLOCKS FOR ATHLETES This invention relates to starting blocks for athletes. It relates more particularly to starting block apparatus which is light and easily portable, and in which the starting blocks can easily be adjusted to any selected block arrangement.

It is an object of this invention to provide starting blocks which the applicant believes will provide a significant advantage to runners using them, over runners using conventional starting blocks.

According to the invention, a starting block is provided with a sloping front surface of sufficient length to provide support at starting to the whole length of the foot of a track runner.

The sloping front surface may be provided by a foot support member. The starting block may include a base member adapted to support the front end of the foot support member, and a strut member adapted to support the rear of the foot support member by abutting against the base member, the strut member being adjustable to provide any desired degree of slope to the sloping front surface.

The foot support member may have openings to accommodate without restraint the spikes on the running shoes of an athlete. Two openings may be provided, spaced laterally on either side of a central rib provided at the front end of the foot support member. The support of the foot support member by the base member may be via a pivotal connection at the front end of the base member.

The strut member may be adjustable by being adjustable in length, the strut member comprising two strut parts of which one is pivotally connected to the foot support member at its rear end, and of which the other is pivotally connected to the base member rearwardly of its front end; the strut member having clamp means for clamping the strut parts together at any desired degree of overlap.

The invention extends also to starting block apparatus comprising a spine member; a pair of arms attachable to the spine member to project on opposite sides and at any desired distance apart; and a starting block as described above, connected to each arm.

Each arm may have a circumferential clamp for slidable adjustment of the position of the arm on the spine member. The connection between each starting block and its arm may be in the form of a clamp which is adjustable for adjusting the spacing between the starting block and the spine member.

The invention extends also to a starting block having a sloping foot support member which has recesses or openings to accommodate without restraint, the spikes on the running shoes of an athlete.

The invention will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows generally a side view of starting block apparatus according to the invention, being used by a runner using a crouching start;

FIG. 2 shows generally a side view of starting block apparatus in accordance with the invention, being used by a runner using a standing start; and

FIG. 3 shows generally a front view of a starting block according to the invention, as seen in the direction III-III in FIG. 2, but to a larger scale;

FIG. 4 shows an oblique side view from the rear of a starting block in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 5 shows generally a section at VV in FIG. 4; and

FIG. 6 shows generally an oblique side view of an arm with clamp onto a spine member.

Referring to the drawings, reference numeral 10 refers generally to starting apparatus: according to the invention in use by an athlete 12 on a track 14, the athlete crouching at the starting line 14.1. The starting block apparatus comprises a spine member 16 having identical starting blocks 18 and 20, slidably attached thereto. Different reference numerals for the starting blocks are used merely to distinguish between front and rear blocks.

Referring to FIG. 2 of the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like parts. It will be noticed, however, that for a standing start, the feet of the athlete may be closer to the starting line 14.1. Furthermore, the starting blocks 18 and 20 are arranged further apart on the spine member 16, and their foot support members 18.1 and 20.1 are at different slopes to those shown in FIG. 1. It will be noticed further that the foot support members 18.1 and 20.1 provide support to the whole length of the feet of the runner 12. In other words, they provide support also to the heel of the runner, and unlike conventional starting blocks not merely to the ball of the foot of the runner.

Further details of construction of the apparatus will now be described with reference to FIGS. 3, 4, 5, and 6 of the drawings.

The spine member 16 is of square hollow tubular construction. This spine member may be calibrated longitudinally as at 16.1 in length units, to permit easy spacing of the blocks 18 and 20 to a spacing which has been found convenient by an athlete. Each starter block comprises an arm 22 having a circumferential clamp 24 whereby the arm 22 may be clamped at any convenient distance along the length of the spine member 16. The arms 22 and clamps. 24 are interchangeable and reversible so that they may be used as desired, for lefthand or righthand starter blocks. The clamps 24 are clamped by means of wing nuts 24.1.

Referring to FIG. 3 of the drawings, it will be noticed that the foot support member 18.1 is provided with a pair of laterally spaced openings 18.11 and 18.12. These openings are provided at a front lower end of the foot support member 18.1. These openings are adapted to accommodate without. restraint, the spikes on the running shoes of an athlete. The intention is that the spikes of the running shoes of an athlete should pass into these openings which sufficient clearance to enable the athlete to get away from the starting blocks without the foot support member 18.1 interfering at all with the movement of the spikes on the running shoes of the athlete.

Each starting block further comprises a base member 26 and studs or bolts 26.1, whereby the base member may be clamped at any desired lateral spacing in the direction of arrow 28, relative to the spinemember 16. The studs 26.1 (or the bolts) have wing nuts 26.2 cooperating therewith, whereby a clamping plate 27 may be clamped against the arm 22 for frictional gripping. The arm 22 has a slot 22.1 which permits the starting block to be withdrawn laterally entirely, and tobe reversed if desired. The base member 26 is further provided with two rearwardly diverging openings 30 which serve to grip tightly onto grass or soil when the base member rests on grass or soil. The rearwardly diverging openings have a more or less wedging effect. The base member is further provided with ears or lugs 32 whereby the base member and the starting block as a whole may be anchored to the ground by means of spikes (not shown) passing through the holes 32.1.

The front lower ends of the foot support members 18.1 and 20.1, are pivotally connected at 34 to the front ends of the base members 26. Such pivotal connection permits the foot support members 18.1 and 20.1 to lie flat on the base member 26.

Each starting block further comprises a strut member, generally indicated by reference numeral 36. The strut member comprises an upper part 36.1 pivotally connected at 38 to the foot support member 20.1. The

strut member further comprises a lowerr strut part 36.2 pivotally connected at 40 to the rear end of the base member 26. These two strut parts are arranged to overlap to any desired degree, in order to obtain adjustment in the slope of the foot support members 18.1 and 20.1. In order to obtain this adjustment in length, the lower strut part 36.2 is provided with an openended slot 36.21 adapted to receive slidably therein a pair of studs or bolts 36.1 co-operating with wing nuts 37 adapted to clamp onto the clamping plate 42.

The mating surfaces of the strut parts 36.1 and 36.2 are provided with serrations or undulations 44 to ensure good frictional gripping and to ensure against slipping of the strut parts 36.1 and 36.2 relative to each other when they are clamped together. Undulations 44 are provided on either side of the slot 26.21. This is toensure that the strut will remain firm and will give adequate support to the heel of a runner at starting.

The whole starting block is made for lightness, out

of sheet metal, preferably of steel. In order to provide adequate strength and rigidity, the strut 36 is provided with longitudinal ribs and recesses 46. Likewise, the foot support member 20.1 has flanges 20.11 around the openings 18.11 and 18.21 on its underside.

The base member is further provided with relatively short spikes 48, the spikes having a length of about 3/8ths of an inch to permit the use of the starter blocks on artificial turf.

In use, the starting blocks 18 and 20 will be set at the appropriate distance apart on the spine 16, desired by the runner. This is done by adjusting the position of the arms 22 by suitably adjusting the clamps 24. The lateral spacing of the starting blocks 18 and 20 can then be adjusted by suitably adjusting the position of each block on its arm 22 by loosening the wing nuts 26.2 and clamping the starter blocks in position. The degree of slope of the foot support members 18.1 and 20.1 can likewise be adjusted by making use of the clamping arrangement for the strut members. If additional anchorage is required, then anchor spikes may be driven through the holes 32.1 in the ears 32. This will provide additional anchorage to the base members over and above that already provided by the spikes 48.

When not in use, the starter block can be opened out to lie completely flat, the various parts folding one over the other. This permits the apparatus to be packed flat into a small parcel. The construction being of sheet metal, the apparatus is strong, light, and easily portable.

If additional anchorage is required then holes may be provided through the spine member 16. Anchor spikes may then be driven through these holes.

Tests were conducted with these starting blocks according to the invention. It was found that an athlete using the standing start as shown in FIG. 2, exerts pressure with his heels on the starting blocks. The greatest pressure was exerted by the heel of his back foot. The pressure so exerted in a sprint start was found to be more than four times his weight.

The front surfaces of the foot support members 18.1 and 20.1 are provided with rough, firm, non-skid surfaces such as are provided by emery, sand, carborundum, or the like. Such rough surfaces provide good purchase too the feet of an athlete.

A starting block in accordance with the invention has the advantage that it provides support to the whole foot of an athlete, unlike conventional starting blocks which provide support to the ball of the foot only. It becomes possible therefore, for an athlete to make use of a standing start as shown in FIG. 2. It will be noticed that the feet of the runner are much closer to the starting line in FIG. 2 than they are in FIG. 1 showing a crouching start. As shown in FIG. 1, the starting blocks in accordance with the invention, can also be used for crouching starts.

What I claim is:

1. A starting block apparatus comprising a spine member; a pair of arms attachable to the spine member to project on opposite sides and at any desired distance apart; and connected to each arm a starting block having a sloping front surface of sufficient length to provide support at starting to the whole length of the foot of a track runner, the connection between each starting block and its arm being in the form of a clamp which is adjustable for adjusting the spacing between the starting block and the spine member.

2. A starting block apparatus comprising a spine member; a pair of arms attachable to the spine member to project on opposite sides and at any desired distance apart; and connected to each arm a starting block having a sloping front surface to provide support at starting to the foot of a track runner, the connection between each starting block and its arm being in the form of a clamp which is adjustable for adjusting the spacing between the starting block and the spine member.

3. A starting block apparatus as claimed in claim 2, in which each starting block has a sloping front surface of sufficient length to provide support at starting to the whole length of the spiked running shoe of a track runner.

4. A starting block apparatus as claimed in Claim 1,

I in which the sloping front surface of each starting block 7. A starting block apparatus as claimed in claim 2 in which each starting block has a sloping foot support member which has two longitudinal openings spaced laterally, the openings extending upwardly from the lower end of the foot support member for at most half the length of the said member, and being arranged to accommodate without restraint, the spikes on the running shoes of an athlete.

8. A starting block apparatus as claimed in claim 7 in which the width of each foot support member is about half its length.

9. A starting block apparatus as claimed in claim 7, in which there is provided for each starting block a base member pivotally supporting the front end of the foot support member via three axially spaced and aligned axle pins, the pins being positioned behind the front surface and between and on either side of the openings and the central pin supporting the lower end of the central rib defined by the openings.

10. A starting block apparatus as claimed in claim 9, in which there is provided for each starting block a strut member adapted to support the rear of the foot support member by abutting against the base member, the strut member being adjustable in length to provide any desired degree of slope to the sloping front surface,

and in which the strut member comprises two strut parts each having transversely disposed undulations adapted to interengage with each other when the two strut parts are in overlapping relationship, the one strut part being pivotally connected to the foot support member rearwardly of the front end, and the other strut part being pivotally connected to the base member rearwardly of its front end; the strut member having clamp means for clamping the strut parts together at any desired degree of overlap, the undulations of the strut parts interengaging to ensure positive locking.

11. A starting block apparatus as claimed in claim 9, in which each slanting block base member has a flat undersurface adapted to lie flat on the ground, and anchor projections extending outwardly of the said flat undersurface, and has at least one rearwardly diverging opening.

12. A starting block apparatus as claimed in claim 2 in which each starting block has a sloping front surface,

which is at least twice as long as it is wide. 

1. A starting block apparatus comprising a spine member; a pair of arms attachable to the spine member to project on opposite sides and at any desired distance apart; and connected to each arm a starting block having a sloping front surface of sufficient length to provide support at starting to the whole length of the foot of a track runner, the connection between each starting block and its arm being in the form of a clamp which is adjustable for adjusting the spacing between the starting block and the spine member.
 2. A starting block apparatus comprising a spine member; a pair of arms attachable to the spine member to project on opposite sides and at any desired distance apart; and connected to each arm a starting block having a sloping front surface to provide support at starting to the foot of a track runner, the connection between each starting block and its arm being in the form of a clamp which is adjustable for adjusting the spacing between the starting block and the spine member.
 3. A starting block apparatus as claimed in claim 2, in which each starting block has a sloping front surface of sufficient length to provide support at starting to the whole length of the spiked running shoe of a track runner.
 4. A starting block apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, in which the sloping front surface of each starting block is provided by a foot support member having two slots open at their lower ends and spaced laterally on either side of a central rib diverging upwardly, the slots being arranged to accommodate without restraint, the spikes on the running shoes of an athlete.
 5. A starting block apparatus as claimed in claim 4, in which the slots extend upwardly for at most half the length of the foot support member.
 6. A starting block apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein said pair of arms are of non-circular section.
 7. A starting block apparatus as claimed in claim 2 in which each starting block has a sloping foot support member which has two longitudinal openings spaced laterally, the openings extending upwardly from the lower end of the foot support member for at most half the length of the said member, and being arranged to accommodate without restraint, the spikes on the running shoes of an athlete.
 8. A starting block apparatus as claimed in claim 7 in which the width of each foot support member is about half its length.
 9. A starting block apparatus as claimed in claim 7, in which there is provided for each starting block a base member pivotally supporting the front end of the foot support member via three axially spaced and aligned axle pins, the pins being positioned behind the front surface and between and on either side of the openings and the central pin supporting the lower end of the central rib defined by the openings.
 10. A starting block apparatus as claimed in claim 9, in which there is provided for each starting block a strut member adapted to support the rear of the foot support member by abutting against the base member, the strut member being adjustable in length to provide any desired degree of slope to the sloping front surface, and in which the strut member comprises two strut parts each having transversely disposed undulations adapted to interengage with each other when the two strut parts are in overlapping relationship, the one strut part being pivotally connected to the foot support member rearwardly of the front end, and the other strut part being pivotally connected to the base member rearwardly of its front end; the strut member having clamp means for clamping the strut parts together at any desired degree of overlap, the undulations of the strut parts interengaging to ensure poSitive locking.
 11. A starting block apparatus as claimed in claim 9, in which each slanting block base member has a flat undersurface adapted to lie flat on the ground, and anchor projections extending outwardly of the said flat undersurface, and has at least one rearwardly diverging opening.
 12. A starting block apparatus as claimed in claim 2 in which each starting block has a sloping front surface, which is at least twice as long as it is wide. 